Haryana Medical Council Adopts 10 TB Patients, Distributes Nutrition Kits Under ‘Nikshay Mitra’ Initiative

Chandigarh, September 4 – The Haryana government continues to strengthen the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan by giving it the form of a mass movement. In line with this effort, Health Minister Arti Rao Singh, along with Haryana Director General of Health and Chairman of Haryana Medical Council Dr. Manish Bansal, and Registrar Dr. Mandeep Sachdeva, jointly adopted 10 tuberculosis (TB) patients under the ‘Nikshay Mitra’ initiative and distributed nutrition kits to them.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Bansal said that the Nikshay Mitra program is part of the community support framework under the PM TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, aimed at providing additional nutrition and support to TB patients during treatment. “Defeating TB requires not just government initiatives but also active community participation. We all must work together to achieve this goal,” he added.

Dr. Sachdeva emphasized that as doctors, it is their responsibility not only to provide medical treatment but also to extend nutritional and emotional support to patients.

Dr. Bansal further explained that the Nikshay Mitra initiative was launched on September 9, 2022, by President Droupadi Murmu to ensure support for TB patients from all sections of society. Under this program, individuals, corporate institutions, NGOs, and community groups can adopt TB patients and provide assistance during treatment, including nutritional support, diagnostic tests, vocational help, and mental health support.

Highlighting the progress, Dr. Bansal stated that the initiative aims to ensure timely medication, encourage patients to complete treatment, and reduce social stigma associated with TB. “The ultimate goal is to empower patients with the strength and confidence to fight the disease and recover fully,” he said.

Currently, Haryana has 7,240 active Nikshay Mitras who have supported 75,957 TB patients by providing nutrition kits. In total, 2,33,597 kits have been distributed across the state, reflecting the joint efforts of the government and community in accelerating this campaign.